Art Directive: Drawing the Breath/Automatic Drawing

The main objective of this art directive is to practice and cultivate Mindfulness and Body Awareness.
Being aware of our breath helps us reconnect to our feelings and physically remain in the present moment. Altering our breathing by slowing down and becoming mindful of each inhale and exhale is effective for body and mind connection. Drawing the breath is a meditative, belly breathing practice combined with drawing to create a consciousness of body sensations. The desired outcome of this directive is to utilize the skill of mindfulness using breathing and meditation, create art without judgement (practicing non-judgement), and to create an image that is a representation of the breath.

Materials Needed

  • White drawing paper, at least 9x12

  • Pencil

  • Art materials of your choice: color pencils, chalk pastels, or watercolor are great options.

Steps

Gather your art materials. Find a space that is clear of noise and distractions. If you would like, play soft music or light a candle. Whatever will help create calm.

We start with a short meditation. You may record this meditation and play during this exercise.

“Begin by sitting up straight in chair, feet firmly planted on the ground and hands in your lap, palms open and facing up. We are open and willing to this experience. Close your eyes. Take a deep belly breath and allow your exhale to be as long as your inhale. No forcing the breath, just be present. Repeat this cycle of belly breath. If there are any points of tension in your body, allow yourself to bring attention to them and release this feeling. Notice the feelings of the room around you, what the air feels like. Any sounds. If your mind begins to wander, use your breath to focus.

Imagine that your breath is traveling from the top of your head to the bottoms of your feet. With your feet firmly on the ground, imagine that the bottoms of your feet are open and the energy from the earth can be received through them. Focus on this sensation.
With your eyes still closed, grab your pencil/chalk pastel and place it on your paper. Pay attention to your breath and allow the breath to dictate where your hand goes. Focus on the inhale, breathing all the way into the belly, and then letting that breath slowly come all the way back out. Keep with this deep breathing and allow this breath to guide the strokes of the pencil/chalk pastel.
Take 10 deep breaths.

Open your eyes and view the marks you’ve made.”

If you wish to, repeat the drawing the breath process. With open eyes, add details to your breath lines.
Ask: What colors best describe your current feeling?
What are symbols you can add that define who you are?
What is your breath trying to tell you?
Can you give your breath a voice?